PRE & POST CRUISE

PILGRIMAGE DESTINATIONS

BALKANS ADVENTURE

Travelling through the heart of the Balkans, we discover amazing countries that have been shaped by a rich but turbulent history. Where East meets West and new merges almost seamlessly with old, this enchanting land boasts rich tradition, vibrant culture and mouth-watering cuisine. Against a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and dramatic coastlines, we explore several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fascinating old towns and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this stunning part of Central & Eastern Europe.

DAY

1

Arrive in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia and enjoy asightseeing tour including Jelacic Square and Zagreb Cathedral. The city’s architecture is reminiscent of Prague, Budapest or Vienna with a medieval upper town and a host of galleries, squares and parks. Overnight in Zagreb

DAY

2

After breakfast, it is time to discover the pretty Croatian town of Osijek - located on both the Drava and Danube rivers and home to beautiful buildings including the Co-Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul with its 90 metre spire. The area is also a good place to sample local Croatian wines in a traditional vineyard. Continue across the border to Serbia. Overnight in Novi Sad

DAY

3

Our day commences with a tour of Novi Sad - the second largest city in Serbia, located on the mighty River Danube this city is considered an important cultural and regional centre. A city tour includes the Petrovaradin, a fortress that has never been breached by its enemies as well as Freedom Square. Overnight in Belgrade

DAY

4

Today is dedicated to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and administrative capital of the former Yugoslav empire. Amongst the many important buildings are the residence of Princess Ljubica, Captain Miša’s Building, the National Assembly and the cosmopolitan Bohemian Quarter, teeming with restaurants and bars. Overnight in Belgrade

DAY

5

After breakfast today we will continue south making a stop at the captivating Manasija Monastery with its 11 imposing towers and beautiful frescos. This evening we arrive in the historic Macedonian capital of Skopje for a two night stay. Overnight in Skopje

DAY

6

Skopje is a little known capital with plenty to offer including the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the city’s most famous daughter and the impressive Macedonia Square with its striking bronze statue of Alexander the Great whilst amongst the maze of narrow streets lies the Old Bazaar hinting at the city’s Ottoman past lasting over 500 years. Overnight in Skopje

DAY

7

This morning we continue to Lake Ohrid on the mountainous border between Macedonia and Albania. This UNESCO site is home to a unique aquatic ecosystem and stunning scenery best explored on a guided boat ride. The Bay of Bones Museum is a fascinating recreation of a traditional water village whilst quaint Ohrid Town offers relaxing lakeside restaurants. Overnight at Lake Ohrid

DAY

8

Crossing the border to Albania, we reach the capital Tirana, a city with a distinctly cosmopolitan feel with its universities, busy shops and museums. Our fascinating sightseeing tour includes the Et’hem Bey Mosque, nestled amongst the city’s modern buildings and a visit to the shopping district is a pleasure. Overnight in Tirana

DAY

9

Travelling north through the rugged landscapes of this little known yet beautiful corner of Europe we arrive in Kruje, a fascinating hill town complete with a 5th century fortress and ethnographic museum. Here you can pay homage to the legendary Skanderbeg, who guarded the country against Ottoman invaders. Continue to Montenegro and the Mediterranean coast. Overnight in Becici

DAY

10

This morning starts with a visit to the unmissable Kotor Bay, with its stunning coastline edged by breath-taking mountain scenery. Visit the preserved city of Kotor, with its 12th century Cathedral and city walls hidden within the mountain side. Enjoy a boat trip to the fascinating ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ islet. This afternoon discover delightful Becici with its fine sandy beaches and the charming old town of Budva where highlights include the famous Venetian walls of its beautiful historic Old Town. This is a magical place to sit and watch the world go by in one of the many café’s dotted along the shore. Overnight in Becici

DAY

11

Today we make our way to Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Sutjeska National Park, where you will find the Maglic Mountain; standing at 2,836m it is the country’s highest mountain. A wonderful opporutnity for you to enjoy lunch with a view before we continue to Sarajevo. Overnight in Sarajevo

DAY

12

Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina, is famed for its cultural and religious diversity. In close proximity are the Emperor’s Mosque, Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral, Orthodox Church of the Nativity and the Jewish Synagogue – earning the city its nickname: 'The Jerusalem of the Balkans’. You will also see the quirky Olympic Museum which played host to the winter games in 1984 as well as the bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, triggering the First World War. Overnight in Sarajevo.

DAY

13

After breakfast depart to Mostar, site of numerous battles during the Ottoman period and most recently during the Balkans war when the iconic ‘Old Bridge’ now a UNESCO site was heavily damaged before its complete restoration. A guided tour of the city’s Ottoman architecture includes the 17th century Koski Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque. Later, continue to Croatia and the Adriatic port city of Split. Overnight in Split

DAY

14

The Plitvice National Park has been an UNESCO world heritage site since 1979. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. A boat ride is the perfect way to explore the park. Later in the day, we will continue north to Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb

DAY

15

After breakfast, check out of your hotel, transfer to Zagreb Airport for your departing flight